As Christians, we are in need of prayer constantly. We need prayer to build relationship with God, to confess our sins, to thank God, and to ask Him for help. We need prayer. As brothers and sisters in Christ, we also must pray for one another. 1 Timothy 2:1 says, "first of all, then, I urge that supplications, prayers, intercessions, and thanksgiving be made for all people." Ephesians 6:18 says, "praying at all times in the Spirit, with all prayer and supplication. To that end keep alert with all perseverance, making supplication for all the saints." We are called to pray for one another!
Prayer is a critical part of the Christian life style, so why would Christians not want to pray together? Prayer is so important to the Christian life that 1 Thessalonians 5:16-18 says, "rejoice always, pray without ceasing, give thanks in all circumstances; for this is the will of God in Christ Jesus for you." It is God's will for you to pray! As Christians, let us pray together then! 2 Thessalonians 3:1 says, "Finally, brothers, pray for us, that the word of the Lord may speed ahead and be honored, as happened among you." Praying alone is our duty, and praying together makes us better.
We can see the importance of prayer all throughout the Bible. There is no denying that prayer is not important; but why should we pray together when we could just pray for ourselves? James 5:16 says, "therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray to one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working." It is good to pray with one another to grow. If someone is struggling with a deep sin and you can pray with them, you help them confess and, as a righteous person, your prayers have power to help strengthen that person. We pray with one another to overcome what we could not overcome alone and what we could not see and admit alone.
Matthew 18:19 says, "again I say to you, if two of you agree on Earth about anything they ask, it will be done for them by my Father in Heaven." That is Jesus Christ telling us this! Imagine, if you and one Christian friend pray in agreement on something, the power that is to be unleashed from it. We pray together for this reason. But, also remember James 4:3, "you ask and do not receive, because you ask wrongly, to spend it on your passions." and John 14:13, "whatever you ask in my name, this I will do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son."
Finally, there is strength in numbers. We pray together for unified power. "A thousand will flee at the threat of one; at the threat of five you will all flee away, til you are left like a flagstaff on a mountain top, like a banner on a hill." (Isaiah 30:17) "Five of you will chase a hundred, and a hundred of you will chase ten thousand, and your enemies will fall by the sword before you." (Leviticus 26:8) We have strength in numbers.
Do not be afraid to pray for one another, and do not be afraid to ask for prayer. We are called to pray for one another and to help one another, so let us put Christ first and pray.
-D
No comments:
Post a Comment